New Maxspect Gyre pair, with Advanced Controller, or Apex control?

[Trailermann]

I am planning on getting two new SF230s for my 120 gallon tank. I already have the Classic Apex. "Someone" said that controlling these through Maxspect's controller is much harder to do than thru the Apex, using the Ice Cap interface.

Anyone have experience or opinions?

 

[dbl]

I recently switched from the Icecap via Apex to the new controller. I run two Gyre's on my 120g. Mind you, I know enough about "programming" things to be dangerous. I personally found it pretty easy to program them using the new advanced controller. There are actually several pre-set programs as well. To me at least, I had an easier time with the controller than I did originally with Apex.

 

[malacoda]

I don't have any experience using an Apex, but I can say that I too didn't find new Maxspect Advanced Controller difficult to program. The instructions that come with it are of very little help. But if you watch the video and/or read this example walk-through on the CoralVue blog it's pretty easy.

 

[cracker]

I'm glad You Guys could figure out the Gyre controller . Hung me up bad ! Finally had a younger friend come & get it going for me . LOL
Thanks for the link malacoda I will surely be checking it out .

 

[OREGONIC]

Gyre controller is super easy to use.

 

[cracker]

Ya Thanks ! LOL

 

[Trailermann]

Thanks guys. With the input from all of you, as finally viewing the CoralView videos, I am comfortable going with the new Maxspect controller. Less wires, less gear, and all the work only happens once during set up. From there, I should only need to push the Feed button. Wait, there will also be times during a large (and slow) water change where I will also need to switch off the whole pump set up using the toggle of my PC100A power strip.

 

[dbl]

Thanks guys. With the input from all of you, as finally viewing the CoralView videos, I am comfortable going with the new Maxspect controller. Less wires, less gear, and all the work only happens once during set up. From there, I should only need to push the Feed button. Wait, there will also be times during a large (and slow) water change where I will also need to switch off the whole pump set up using the toggle of my PC100A power strip.

If you have a plug available on your Apex power bar, just use it. You can program it to turn off during maintenance. I use a feed command that turns everything off when I want it to. Just a suggestion.

 

[Larry L]

If you have a plug available on your Apex power bar, just use it. You can program it to turn off during maintenance. I use a feed command that turns everything off when I want it to.

That's what I do too, just use the Apex for on/off during feed and maintenance. I have my Maxspect controller set up use the lunar Tidal Cycle, have been really happy with it.

 

[pelphrey]

 

[Kyl]

I'm still holding out hope that Maxspect and Neptune release the ICV6 <> Apex functionality, though I can't get word from Maxspect about it at all.

 

[BluewaterLa]

In a 120 I would recommend you go with two of the gyre 250's Vs. the two 230's.
while the 230's are nice you would have to run them at 100 percent and probably would not have enough flow after considering rock scape and other factors.
I had dual 230's in a standard 90 gal and ran them at 90 percent, did have large rock and sps dominant tank. Two 250's were perfect for this tank and did not have to run them wide open which is better for noise and wear / tear on bushings, bearings and motor block.

I use all three size model gyres in different systems, I like the new controller for sure and have no issues with it at all.
One one system I use the Ice Cap interface modules to control two 250 gyres, its nice to have things in tune with feed modes along with other features of having a controller but is not really much different and in some ways not as good as the Maxspect dual controller with all the features now offered.
Personal preference really.